Common Body Language Mistakes to avoid during a Job Interview !

Are you all prepped up for your next job interview? You may have spent hours preparing answers for the frequently asked questions, but it isn’t sufficient to ace the interview. Your body language can make a whole lot of difference in either making or breaking your career. Here, we have listed common body language mistakes to avoid during a job interview.

Many successful interviews hinge on how you present yourself, so make sure to send only the right signals. SynergisticIT can help you avoid some common body language mistakes that candidates often commit during an interview and how to avoid them to ace a job.

A Weak Handshake

As the saying goes, “The first impression is the last impression” You don’t want to look weak and unconfident by doing a limp handshake. Start and end your interview with a firm handshake, accompanied by a gentle smile and strong eye contact. Similarly, ensure that you are not crushing the interviewer’s hands as it exhibits aggressive behavior and can possibly close the door for your dream job.

Crossed Arms

Crossing your arms is another body language mistake you should avoid in an interview. As per a study on body language, crossed arms reflect resistance & disinterest. Hence, the recruiter might feel you are closed off & not ready to negotiate on their terms. Some interviewers also interpret crossed arms as rude. So rather than crossing your arms, keep them to your sides or sit straight with your arms on the table to appear more attentive and approachable.

Leaning Back

Your sitting posture plays a significant role in an interview. If you lean back in your seat, it gives the wrong signal to the interviewer that you are lazy or arrogant. Studies have proven that individuals who sit up straight are viewed as more confident with strong leadership skills. Therefore, watch your sitting posture and avoid this body language mistake during an interview, and aim to maintain a neutral position.

Prolonging Eye Contact or Avoiding it Completely

Doing adequate eye contact is also one of the common body language mistakes and an essential part of non-verbal communication. Failing to make eye contact while addressing the interviewer is a sign of dishonesty. However, a deep stare is also perceived as intimidating.  Thus, set an aim of making eye contact in small intervals. The best practice is to break eye contact every few seconds and then come back to show your engagement. 

Touching Your Face Repeatedly

Excessive face touching is one of the most common body language mistakes that job seekers often make in an oblivious manner. Whether it’s about rubbing one’s nose, playing with the hair, keeping your hand on the mouth, or touching the face, all are bad body language traits. It indicates an unprofessional attitude, and the recruiter can even interpret it as an act of deception. Next time you appear for an interview, recall this body language technique.

Using Endless Hand Gestures

There is no denying the fact that some hand gestures, like moving fingers, when speaking or clasping palms, are signs of confidence, but it has the potential to make you look either arrogant or nervous if done outrageously. Keep tabs on the interviewer’s personal space when gesturing and use subtle gestures only.

Failing to Mirror the Recruiter

Mirroring is a popular concept of imitating the actions of others while interacting, which shows that you are attentive and closely listening to that person.  Though it usually happens subconsciously, you can deploy this technique to leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

Why So Serious?

Smiling invokes positivity & helps you stay calm in front of the interviewer. Begin and end your interview with a warm smile to look more likable & approachable. However, if you smile too much throughout the interview, then it can denote your lack of taking things seriously and can probably land you in trouble.

Fidgeting

Excessive foot-tapping, fixing ties, playing with the pen, or shifting in the seat are the biggest body language mistakes that candidates unknowingly make. Since fidgeting is the key sign of nervousness and restlessness, avoid doing it in your interview. Sit straight, place your feet firmly on the floor, maintain your composure & channel your energy into giving pertinent answers to the interviewer’s questions.

Conclusion

‘Actions speak louder than words’; thus, checking our body language is of utmost importance, especially in formal settings like an interview room. Ensure that your gestures, facial expressions, and posture match your words during an interview. You can impress the recruiter with your remarkable non-verbal communication skills. In order to enrich your body language and develop some impeccable soft skills take our assistance. 

Anytime you want to upgrade your skills and need a helping hand to enter or reenter the tech workforce with high-demand tech skills, reach out to us. Since 2010 we have helped 1000’s of jobseekers achieve success in the technology sector. SynergisticIT’s career-oriented training programs guarantee fast-paced, quality tech education, preparing you with top-notch skills for coveted tech roles in the industry. Reach out to us. SynergisticIT– Home of the Best Data Scientists and Software Programmers in the Bay Area!